The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Dodge Charger powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Dodge Charger have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 56,070 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Charger | 18 |
| 2012 Charger | 57 |
| 2013 Charger | 48 |
| 2014 Charger | 52 |
| 2015 Charger (this page) | 30 |
| 2016 Charger | 21 |
| 2017 Charger | 16 |
| 2018 Charger | 9 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 30 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 30 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Dodge Charger powertrain shows a constellation of failures across multiple subsystems. The driveshaft center support bearing is the most recurring complaint—owners report it failed as early as 7,668 miles and frequently by 37,000 miles, despite bearing repair shops stating they've never seen failures that severe at such low mileage. When it goes, the driveshaft separates from the bearing, causing clunking, vibration, and in extreme cases moving upward into the cabin. Full driveshaft replacement runs $700–$3,000+, and parts are backordered everywhere, suggesting Dodge dealers and the manufacturer know about the problem.
The 8-speed transmission jerks hard during cold starts and when downshifting, a behavior that persists for years and dealership repairs don't fix. Several owners report the engine stalling randomly at any speed with no warning lights, followed by unintended gear shifts that jerk the car forward. Some vehicles won't shift out of first gear after downshifting, and a handful report transmission slipping into reverse while parked.
Electrical gremlins prevent vehicles from shutting off completely—the push button gets stuck in Accessory mode while the system thinks the vehicle is still in Drive. One owner's oil filter housing failed, draining the pan completely. Water pump and radiator failures have stranded owners on highways. A police Charger shifted itself into reverse and drove off an embankment after being left running; FCA investigated and claimed no malfunction despite replication of the incident.
Same Dodge Charger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Failure
The driveshaft center carrier support bearing fails prematurely, causing the bearing to separate and allowing excessive play in the driveshaft. This can lead to clunking noises, vibration, and instability at highway speeds. In severe cases, the failing bearing has allowed the driveshaft to move upward into the vehicle cabin. Multiple owners report the bearing was destroyed well before 100,000 miles, with some failures occurring as early as 7,668 miles.
When: As early as 7,668 miles; failures reported across a range from 30,000 to 94,000+ miles. One bearing was described as 'completely destroyed' at only 37,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise, particularly when shifting into reverse or during acceleration; Vibration and shaking, especially at low speeds and during turns; Clicking or knocking sounds from underneath the vehicle; Vehicle feels shaky and unstable
Repairs/costs cited: Full driveshaft replacement required; owners cited costs of $700–$3,000+. Parts are backordered due to widespread failures. Independent mechanics and dealerships have confirmed the bearing was destroyed; one mechanic stated he had never seen one as badly failed as the customer's at that mileage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners report their VINs were not included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers 18V281000 and 17V097000, despite meeting failure patterns. FCA declined repairs on warranty and implied owner responsibility, while advising reimbursement only if a recall is initiated for that VIN. Dealers blamed exhaust drone for activating MDS System rather than investigating the bearing.
Transmission Shifting and Engagement Failures
Transmission exhibits rough, jerky downshifts and upshifts, particularly when cold or during low-speed maneuvers. The vehicle also exhibits sudden loss of motive power, stalling without warning, and inability to shift into drive. In some cases, the transmission slips into reverse unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked with the engine running. Check engine, traction control, and service shifter warning lights illuminate. TCM (Transmission Control Module) failure has been diagnosed in some cases.
When: Symptoms begin as early as 50 miles and persist throughout ownership. Cold-start issues are consistent; random failures occur at speeds ranging from idle to 60+ mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, jerky downshifts and upshifts, especially when cold; Transmission stuck in first gear after downshift; Loss of motive power and stalling without warning at various speeds; Failure to shift into drive after coasting in neutral and stopping; Transmission slips unexpectedly into reverse while parked with engine running; Service Shifter warning light and Check Engine light illumination; Vehicle immobilizes and requires shifter cycling to restore drive
Codes mentioned: Service Shifter warning, Vehicle not in park warning, Traction control light, Service Airbag warning
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was told transmission needed replacement after power train control module recall repair; vehicle was not repaired. Another owner reported TCM replacement was needed at 79,000 miles; vehicle not repaired. Dealership attempts to correct cold-shift jerking have failed. One owner reported fuse 26 in secondary PDC blown, cutting power to TCM.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline. One owner's VIN was not under recall for TCM failure despite documented loss of motive power. Dealership advised that vehicle failure was associated with NHTSA Campaigns 18V281000 and 17V097000 but owner was held responsible for repair pending recall confirmation.
Push-Button Start/Stop and Shifter Electronics Malfunction
The push-button start/stop system fails to transition from ACC (Accessory) mode to OFF mode, leaving the vehicle stuck in accessory state. Simultaneously, the shifter electronics indicate the vehicle is not in park even though it is, triggering Service Shifter, Vehicle Not in Park, and Service Airbag warnings. The only way to put the vehicle in OFF is to disconnect the battery. This issue recurs every time the vehicle is started and turned off.
When: Began appearing on 2/1/23 in one owner's vehicle; other owners confirm similar symptoms across the model year.
Symptoms owners cite: Push-button will not transition from ACC to OFF mode; Service Shifter warning light illuminates; Vehicle Not in Park warning despite shifter being in park; Traction control light appears; Service Airbag warning displays; Vehicle stuck cycling between ACC and Start modes only
Codes mentioned: Service Shifter, Vehicle Not in Park, Traction Control
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Battery disconnection is a temporary workaround but problem recurs immediately upon next shutdown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or inspection documented in narratives.
Sudden Loss of Engine/ECU Power and Reboot During Operation
The engine and ECU experience sudden, complete power loss and reboot while the vehicle is being driven. The dash goes black, the engine dies, and after a few seconds the system reboots itself and the vehicle restarts. One owner reported this occurred while shifting into reverse at the end of an 800-mile trip; another reported the vehicle became stuck in first gear during a UConnect system update on the highway. No diagnostic codes are logged.
When: During driving, including highway operation and low-speed maneuvers.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of power to engine and electrical systems; Dashboard goes black; Engine dies without warning; System reboots after a few seconds; Vehicle restarts on its own; No warning lights or diagnostic codes recorded; Transmission stuck in first gear during ECU reboot (in update case)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Owner with software update issue was able to complete a 50-minute UConnect update while stranded.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner called Dodge to open a case during the update incident; no documented resolution. FCA investigation letter for police vehicle incident stated 'no evidence of a malfunction' despite the incident being replicated by investigators.
UConnect System Update Bricking Transmission Control
Initiating a UConnect system update while driving causes the vehicle to lose transmission control. The vehicle becomes stuck in first gear during the download and reboot phase, preventing upshift to higher gears. The vehicle is immobilized on the side of the road until the update completes. The update disclaimer did not warn against starting it while driving.
When: During a 25-minute commute when owner started update while parked and then began driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in first gear during system reboot; Cannot shift manually or automatically to higher gears; Forward jolt as if downshifted into very low gear when cruise control disengaged; Vehicle immobilized on roadside until update completes (50 minutes total); Normal gear shifting resumes after update completion
Repairs/costs cited: No repair required after update completed; issue resolved once reboot finished.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner called Dodge and opened a case; no documented resolution.
Oil Filter Housing Failure and Critical Oil Leakage
The oil filter housing fails, causing complete oil loss from the oil pan. The vehicle stalls while driving due to oil starvation. Check engine and traction control lights illuminate. The failure prevents gear shifting and forces the vehicle to limp to a stop.
When: At approximately 156,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving at 20 mph; Failure to shift into gear after restart; Check Engine light and Traction Control light illumination; No oil in oil pan upon inspection
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, Traction Control
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic found no oil and recommended oil change; dealer diagnosed major oil leak from oil filter housing failure. Vehicle was not repaired. Dealer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and referred owner to NHTSA Hotline; no repair performed.
Cold-Start Transmission Jerking and Hard Shifts
The 8-speed transmission jerks and slips during the 1-2, 2-3, and sometimes 3-4 gear shifts while the vehicle is cold. The shifts are hard and very noticeable, occurring every time the vehicle is cold. After the vehicle warms up, shifts return to normal. The issue persists across the vehicle's lifespan.
When: Every time the vehicle is started cold. One owner reported this beginning at fewer than 50 miles and persisting for years.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, jerky shifts during 1-2 and 2-3 gear changes when cold; Noticeable slipping during cold-start shifts; Shifts normalize after engine warms up; Issue occurs regardless of acceleration rate or driving conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempted correction and failed. One owner reported ongoing issue despite service attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership repair attempts documented as unsuccessful.
Premature Water Pump and Radiator Failure
Water pump and radiator fail prematurely, causing engine overheating during highway driving. One owner reported a loose water pump pulley at 7,668 miles; another reported complete water pump and radiator failure at 31,000 miles during interstate travel, leaving the vehicle stranded in unfamiliar territory.
When: As early as 7,668 miles (loose pulley); catastrophic failure at 31,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating during highway operation; Loose water pump pulley; Vehicle stranding due to coolant loss
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump pulley was found loose during multi-point inspection. One owner cited costs of replacement but did not specify amount.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Engine Lifter and Camshaft Failure
Engine experiences catastrophic failure due to faulty lifter design and poor-quality camshaft material. The failures typically occur between 80,000 and 160,000 miles and can cause complete loss of engine power and vehicle control.
When: Typically between 80,000 and 160,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Catastrophic engine failure; Loss of engine power; Loss of vehicle control ability
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documentation provided.
Shifter Electronics Intermittent Failure to Engage Drive
The gear shifter intermittently fails to engage into Drive, requiring multiple attempts to shift. Service Shifter warning light illuminates when this occurs. The issue resolves after several attempts.
When: At 96,000 miles in reported case.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter fails to engage into Drive on first attempt; Service Shifter warning light illumination; Multiple attempts required to shift into Drive; Issue resolves after cycling shifter
Codes mentioned: Service Shifter
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealership but was not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was contacted but no repair or resolution documented.
Unexpected Reverse Gear Engagement While Parked
A marked police vehicle left running at a scene shifted itself into reverse and drove off an embankment into a tree. Dashboard camera recorded the incident approximately 14 minutes after the vehicle was parked. FCA investigation stated no malfunction was found despite the incident being replicated by investigators.
When: After approximately 14 minutes of vehicle left running and parked.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission unexpectedly shifts into reverse without driver input; Vehicle drives away and descends embankment into tree; Incident replicated by FCA investigator
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA investigation concluded 'no evidence of a malfunction' despite replication. FCA referenced owner's manual instruction to never exit vehicle with engine running, which is impractical for police use.
Transmission Fuse Failure Preventing Vehicle Shutdown
Fuse 26 in the secondary Power Distribution Center, which supplies power to the Transmission Control Module, blows or fails. The vehicle will not shut off completely due to software indicating the vehicle is still in Drive despite the shifter being physically in Park. The trunk cannot be opened manually (no exterior key hole) or via fob/dash button to access the fuse or disconnect the battery.
When: Timing not specified in narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shut off completely; Software indicates vehicle in Drive despite physical shifter in Park; Trunk inaccessible (no exterior manual release or button function); Safety concern if vehicle catches fire
Codes mentioned: Fuse 26 secondary PDC (TCM power supply)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Random Engine Stalling and Unintended Gear Selection During Drive
The engine stalls randomly while driving at any speed without warning, and RPM drops. The vehicle sometimes comes back on as if in Neutral and then shifts into second gear while the shifter is still in Drive, causing the vehicle to jerk around and lunge forward. No check engine light or diagnostic codes illuminate.
When: Intermittent issue occurring over several months at speeds from 10 to 60 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies suddenly at any speed or RPM; RPM drops off without warning; Vehicle jerks and lunges forward when unintended upshift occurs; No warning lights or codes; Issue recurs unpredictably
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Driveshaft Wobbling and Noise at Highway Speeds
The driveshaft wobbles and makes noises when driving at 60 mph. Independent service center identified the issue as unsafe to drive.
When: At highway speeds (60 mph).
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft wobbling; Noise from driveshaft at highway speeds; Instability during braking
Repairs/costs cited: Independent service center confirmed unsafe to drive.
Driveshaft Failure Causing Collateral Damage to Transfer Case and Differential
The front driveshaft fails catastrophically, breaking out of its mounts and destroying the transfer case and differential. The incident occurred at low speed (leaving a stop light) and was misdiagnosed by two dealers who told the owner they were 'off reading it.' The vehicle sat for 1.5 years due to repair costs, and warranty was canceled.
When: At approximately 30,000 miles, during a stop-light departure.
Symptoms owners cite: Catastrophic driveshaft failure at low speed; Transfer case and differential destroyed; Loss of vehicle drivability
Repairs/costs cited: Repair was expensive; vehicle sat for 1.5 years until owner could afford it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers declined to repair, claiming owner was 'off reading it.' Warranty was canceled.
Random Vehicle Immobilization in Drive with No Error Codes
While driving in Drive mode, if the driver shifts to Neutral to coast and then brings the vehicle to a complete stop, placing the shifter back into Drive causes the vehicle to become immobilized. The dash instructs the driver to apply the brake and cycle the shifter back to Park and then to Drive to restore motion. This intermittent condition poses a severe safety risk in emergency situations such as on railroad tracks with an approaching train.
When: Intermittently when coasting in Neutral and returning to Drive.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle becomes immobilized when shifted back to Drive after coasting in Neutral; Dashboard prompts brake application and shifter cycling; Requires shifter cycle to restore Drive function
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Catastrophic engine failure due to faulty lifter design and poor quality cam shaft material. Can cause loss of engine power and ability to control the vehicle. Engines typically fail between 80,000 and 160,000 mies with high certainty.
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed while…
Fuse 26 in secondary pdc in truck for power to TCM (transmission) module blown. Vehicle would not shut off completely due to shifter physically in park, but software indicating still in drive. Could not open truck with either fob button or truck button on dash to check fuses or disconnect battery. No exterior key hole to open trunk manually. This is a safety issue if car catches fire.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 Dodge Charger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2015 Dodge Charger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 30 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 26,000 and 94,000 miles, with the median around 56,070. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,000; a quarter make it past 94,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Dodge/Charger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.